Alan, I am very much aware that my G-grandfather "surrendered" twice, but not in his heart, which I imagine was the case with many,many soldiers. As far as his release from Rock Island, I have the record which was posted on Ancestry.com. His picture shows a man who suffered terribly, & enduring to the end, refused to take any oath until his release. And no, I did not, and never have , thought that the prison gates were just opened. Also, I have the history of the 24th from Rowland's book.

I also have G-Grandfather's story of his service and imprisonment. He was one a group of young soldiers who joined together to organize the 7 Knights of the Confederacy, vowing to uphold their honor , and remain faithful to their cause. Case closed.